My initial thought is that Labrie gives them some flexibility and they won't feel bad if he sits a lot.

His skating has improved and he loves to crash the corners, sit in front of the net and will stand up for his teamates no questions asked. He knows his role and I think his productivity could suprise the team. When you think of the second PP line he could fill that Malone hole versus having a percy float the wings.

The team had a deficit in toughness and if he just fills that spot that is a high value product. The other thing and it's mentioned by all of his teamates in both the AHL and now NHL he has a sense of humor and just loves the game of hockey. I'll take that over anyone who tends to loaf for 1/2 of each season before the lights go on.